Life at Vinnies

At Vinnies, we are what we do. We believe in making a difference. We are one of Queensland’s most-loved charitable organisations and are committed to leading with our values and mission at heart. We work together to build a legacy that we can be proud of, supporting those in need within our communities. Our companions are why our journey started, striving to shape a more just and compassionate society. Our employees, members and volunteers are the reason our journey continues, and why we will succeed.

What we can offer you

• Work with a purpose – not your average organisation and not your average role!
• Competitive hourly rate and excellent employment benefits under our Employee Agreement
• Salary packaging arrangements – helping you save on tax
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program – our employees are our most valuable asset
• A welcoming and inclusive environment where you’ll always feel part of a team

Your role

This position is designated as an Identified role and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. This is in accordance with section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

We're seeking a First Nations Engagement Officer to play a key role in addressing the entrenched disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people facing addiction in regional Queensland.

This position embodies a strong commitment to social justice, seeking to create sustainable and impactful relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders, fostering improved responses within the service system.

By supporting the broader team, the role emphasises the importance of best practices in achieving successful, client-focused addiction outcomes.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Support community engagement
• Cultural competency development
• Cultural needs recognition
• Holistic support facilitation
• Case management support
• Cycle breaking initiatives

This is a Permanent, Full-time (38 hours per week) position based in Mackay.

About you

To be successful in the role, you will meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrated working knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, customs, and history, alongside a contemporary perspective on the challenges faced by these communities.

• Proven experience and skills in providing trauma-informed care, with an emphasis on recognising and addressing the complexities of addiction and associated issues.

• A solid background in working with individuals facing compounding needs such as homelessness, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and trauma experiences.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander residents, Elders, and other key stakeholders.

• Strong planning and time management abilities, ensuring efficient delivery of responsibilities and commitments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

Ready to apply? We can’t wait to hear from you. Submit your application via SEEK or directly on our careers page!

Having the right people in our team is important to us. Before joining our team, we’ll undertake pre-employment checks including references, a police check, and proof of qualifications/licences.

We are committed to meaningful equity and diversity in our workforce. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged. To be eligible for this position you must have an appropriate visa to work in Australia/New Zealand.